The New York Aquarium may have to evacuate its 12,000 water-dependent creatures—from hulking walruses and sharks to turtles and teeny fish—if power isn't restored to the Coney Island, Brooklyn, facility soon.
"We are at a very critical period," said a spokeswoman for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the institution. However, she said there was no definite timetable for making the decision.
She added that she was unsure if any of the animals died because of the serious flood damage the institution sustained during Superstorm Sandy, when sea water broke over the boardwalk. Press reports said that Mitik, a 236-pound walrus pup that recently came to live at the aquarium survived the storm. He is one of three walruses at the facility; the two others are adults weighing between 400 and 500 pounds each. The aquarium also has five sharks that would presumably be difficult to relocate. It's also home to otters, penguins, turtles and sea lions.
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